When you exit the streetcar, your back should be to the City Park entrance and the New Orleans Museum of Art. In front of you, you should see the end of Esplanade Avenue and a bridge crossing a river-like body of water, Bayou St. John. Cross the bridge to the Shell gas station. We will meet you on the bank of Bayou St. John, just across Moss St. from the gas station. We have blue kayaks.

This bus starts Uptown at Jackson Avenue, runs through the back of the Quarter, passes our launch, and ends at the cemeteries. There is a stop at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Moss Street, across Esplanade Ave. from the Shell gas station. The river-like body of water running under the Esplanade Ave. bridge is Bayou St. John. We launch from the bank of that bayou, across Moss St. from the Shell gas station.

We meet on the bank of Bayou St. John, across Moss St. from the Shell gas station. The address of the gas station is 3494 Esplanade Avenue, 70119.

If you’re coming from the French Quarter, proceed northwest up Esplanade Avenue, moving away from the Mississippi River and the French Quarter. Our launching point is at the end of Esplanade Ave, about 2.5 miles from the river. What you should see from the meeting place: You should see a bridge crossing a river-like body of water, Bayou St. John. Just pass the bridge is a statue of G.T. Beauregard on his horse. Further pass the statue is the entrance of City Park as well as the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Directions to the look-out platform of the Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle

The platform is at the intersection of Caffin Ave. and Florida Ave., 70117. About 4.5 miles from the Quarter.It is simply a small shell driveway in the middle of a clearing. There is an information display/box at the street that explains a bit about Bayou Bienvenue . You’ll find a wooden decked structure leading to a platform on top of the levee.

Keep in mind, the look-out is the Lower 9th Ward.This area was the hardest hit area during Hurricane Katrina.It is still very evident.The roads are in bad repair, there are many abandoned homes and businesses, and some sections are scarcely populated.When traveling through, use caution regarding potholes and city maintenance projects and be respectful.

Taking a cab…

We recommend United Cabs, 504-522-9771 and Nawlins Cab, 504-522-9059.These companies are the most reputable and consistent.The cost is about $15 one-way from the French Quarter for one person.

If you’re driving…

I’m not sure where you’re staying, so I’ll give you instructions from N. Claibourne Ave. It is a bit confusing because N. Claibourne Ave. (in the direction headed toward the launch) is called N. Robertson St. on the stretch between Elysian Fields Ave. and Poland Ave. Follow N. Claibourne Ave. in an east-south-east direction over the Industrial Canal.At that point, you’re crossing a super cool old drawbridge. You are now in the Lower 9th Ward.

Continue on N. Claibourne Ave. until you get to Caffin Ave. (about 10 blocks from the bridge). Make a left on Caffin Ave. Drive carefully on that bumpy street until you come to the end where it intersects Florida Ave. (about 10 blocks).

We’ll start you from the French Market and Old U.S. Mint building.From this location, it’s just over 4 miles to the launch.From N. Peters St. (the street on the riverside of the French Market) and Barracks St., follow N. Peters St. east just pass Esplanade Ave. and swing a left onto Elysian Fields Ave.Continue on Elysian Fields Ave. about 2 blocks and make a right onto Chartres St.Follow Chartres St. east until it ends and forces you to make a left on Poland Ave. (about 22 blocks or 1.5 miles).Follow Poland Ave. north about 5 blocks to St. Claude Ave., make a right.Take St. Claude Ave. over a neat old drawbridge and the Industrial Canal.You are now in the 9th Ward.

Continue on St. Claude Ave. east about 10 blocks to Caffin Ave., where you make a left.Follow Caffin Ave. north about 15 blocks (parts of this street can be pretty bumpy) until it ends at the intersection of Florida Ave.You’re at the platform!

Public Transportation

It is possible to catch a bus to the platform. If you’re thinking of using public transport, please consult us first as some routes have transfers in high crime, impoverished areas.